Man’s palm amputated after rare infection caused by fish bite at Thalassery

A 38-year-old man from Thalassery had his right palm amputated following a severe bacterial infection reportedly caused by fish bite while cleaning a pit.

Rajeesh, a dairy farmer from Madapeedika, said he was bitten by a fish, locally known ‘Kadu’, in early February. What initially seemed like a minor cut on his fingertip escalated into a life-threatening condition, he added.

“I sought treatment at the Kodiyeri primary health centre, where I was administered a tetanus injection. However, as the wound worsened, I got admitted to a hospital in Mahe and later to a private hospital in Kozhikode,” he said.

Rajeesh was reportedly diagnosed with gas gangrene, also known as clostridial myonecrosis, a severe and life-threatening bacterial infection that destroys tissue and produces gas within it. The infection had spread to his palm, leaving amputation as the only option to prevent further complications, including possible brain damage.

Meanwhile, the Health authorities advised caution as the bacteria responsible for gas gangrene thrive in muddy water.